Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Squash bugs (Anasa
tristis) are probably the most destructive insect pest of squash and
pumpkins in our area. They can also be a problem on cucumbers and melons. Squash
Bugs hide under leaves and stems and may be hard to find. Sometimes they may even
be low on the stem where it enters the soil.

Symptoms of squash bug infested plants include wilted
leaves and / or plants and discolored leaves as well as dead or collapsing
plants. Squash bugs are usually visible when watering as they emerge from the
base of plants where the stem enters the soil.

Squash
bugs damage plants by removing sap and causing leaves to wilt and collapse. Sap
removal deprives the plant of needed nutrients and water. When a single plant
is being fed upon by numerous squash bugs plant wilt, collapse, and death can
occur very quickly.

Here
are a couple chemical free methods for squash bug control……

Mechanical control is done by
physically removing and killing them. When watering, squash bugs will emerge
from their hiding places and can be caught and squished. Squished squash bugs
have a foul smell. Also, look for their masses of shiny brown eggs on the
underside of leaves. Smash the eggs when you find them.

Squash
Bug Tea:One of our
nursery clients told us that his great aunt treats her plants with a squash bug
tea. He stated she always has beautiful squash plants free of bugs. He
explained that she will capture a few squash bugs, place them in a small glass
jar, seal the lid, and set the jar in full sun until the bugs are dead. She
then will use them to make a squash bug tea similar to the way one makes sun
tea. The squash bug tea is then placed into a spray bottle and used to
thoroughly wet the plants. This procedure is repeated at regular intervals
during the growing season.

The nursery staff would love to hear of your success using squash bug tea or any control method you know so that we may share with all who grow and love squash!